A court of appeals is a higher-level court that reviews decisions made by lower courts, such as trial courts. Its primary function is to determine whether legal errors occurred during the trial that could have affected the outcome. The court does not conduct new trials or hear new evidence; instead, it examines the records and arguments presented in the original case. Judges in a court of appeals typically work in panels, often consisting of three judges. They issue written opinions that explain their decisions, which can affirm, reverse, or modify the lower court's ruling. Their decisions can set important legal precedents for future cases.